What would I have done if I had to do this alone? If Bennett hadn’t hired me to perform at their wedding and I hadn’t run into Jackson again at that exact time? A vision of me alone in my Nashville penthouse as I woke up this morning to find a pillowcase full of my hair makes my chest cave in.
I can’t fathom having to go through this alone. And thankfully Jax made sure I wouldn’t have to.
“You’re going to be okay,” Walker whispers, wrapping me in her arms just as the security system beeps notifying us that the front door has opened.
We walk out to the main living area to find Jackson, Bennett, Carson, and Griffin in their Wolverines knit stocking hats taking off their shoes and hanging up their coats.
When Jackson’s eyes fall on me, he halts as he takes in the stark change. After a moment’s pause, he closes the distance between us and pulls me into his chest.
“I love you so fucking much, T,” he rasps and then places a kiss on my temple.
“I love you too,” I reply just as he takes a small step back.
My lips turn down in a frown until I realize he’s pulled away to take off his hat. I’m stunned silent and my stomach swarms with butterflies at the sight before me.
“Jax,” I finally gasp, stepping forward and dragging my fingers across his freshly buzzed hair. “How did you—”
Before I can finish my question, he cuts in. “Walker texted me. I’m glad they were here with you, but me and the guys wanted you to know we’re also here for you.” Just then, Bennett, Carson and Griffin take off their hats and I see their haircuts match mine.
I bring my hand to cover my mouth as I shake my head in disbelief.
“Jax! You guys didn’t have to do this.”
“We know. But we wanted to show you you’ll never be alone in this fight,” Jax explains, tugging me against his chest again.
Moments later, the guys surround the two of us as they wrap us into a group hug.
“You’ve got this, Tae,” Carson murmurs as he squeezes both mine and Jax’s shoulders.
I’ve never felt more supported, and though I first wondered if I would be alone in this fight, I’m happy to say I’ve now got my answer. These friends I’ve gained through Jax have become a second family I never knew I needed.
“I really hate to break up this moment, but um, Jax, I think Tae’s last birthday surprise is needing to be revealed, if you know what I mean . . .” Walker says, wringing her hands from where she’s sitting at the kitchen island.
“Shit, you’re right. I’ll be right back,” he replies, placing a quick kiss on my forehead then turning to get his boots on and heading outside.
I hardly have time to guess what he’s got up his sleeve before he’s walking back inside a few minutes later with what looks like a freaking puppy in his arms.
“Is that what I think it is?” I ask, closing the distance between us.
Jax is beaming with joy. “Meet our son, Connor the Corgi.”
My eyes widen and my jaw drops. “Shut. Up.”
“Happy birthday, baby.” Jax pulls me into his side and I melt against him as I shower the cutest dog I’ve ever laid eyes on with kisses.
“Welcome home, sweet boy,” I coo, praying like hell that one day in the future we’ll be saying the same thing to a baby or child.
34
Then
Life hasn’t slowed down for me for a moment since I moved to Nashville nearly six weeks ago.
Kyle wasn’t kidding when he said the label he was in talks with was highly interested in me. The first day I flew out here, I met with them and they signed me on the spot. I had told Kyle I wanted to think about it and look things over with my dad, but he insisted it was one of the best deals he’d ever seen for a debut artist and I shouldn’t risk insulting the label executives who were willing to take a risk on me.
Between the writing and recording sessions, as well as small gigs Kyle’s booked for me around different bars in Nashville, I haven’t had much time to think, let alone wallow in self-pity for what I’ve done.
I walked out on Jackson six weeks ago—on the vows I’d promised him—and yet he’s still made every attempt to contact me daily throughout that time. His calls, texts, FaceTime requests, voicemails, DMs, and even emails have all gone unanswered, and yet he remains persistent.
